successful or not. Mr Evans now directed that the lantern should be
lighted, in order that the French prisoners might be secured, and that
it might be seen what damage had been done to the vessel. While going
round the decks with a lantern, Denham discovered between the guns the
form of his young messmate. A feeling of dread came over his heart.
Could he have been killed and fallen down there? He lifted him up, and
anxiously examined his countenance.

"Speak, speak. Fitz Barry," he exclaimed eagerly. "Do tell me if you
are hurt, or where you have been wounded."

"Yes, I am hurt, somewhat badly I am afraid," answered Fitz Barry, at
length, in a faint voice. "I was thrown down there by the Frenchmen we
were fighting with, and I was unable after that to move. I did not like
to cry out, remembering that we were passing the fort; and soon after
that, I suppose, I fainted."

"I thank heaven that you are able to speak thus," said Denham, "and we
shall soon be on board the frigate, and the doctor will look to your
hurts."

Mr Evans had the satisfaction of observing two other vessels following
him out of the harbour, while a bright light which burst forth some way
up it showed that the other boats had had time to set some merchantmen
on fire. War is a fearful thing at all times, but more sad even is it
when it compels the destruction of private property.

No one, however, would have objected to the destruction of privateers.
It is pretty well agreed they partake more of the character of pirates
than honourable combatants; their only object is to rob the merchantmen
of the enemy, so as to become themselves the possessors of their rich
freight. They do not fight for honour or glory, and they care as little
for the good of their country. It is true, however, that the
privateers, by injuring the commerce of the enemy, frequently make that
enemy more anxious to come to terms, but in most cases both parties are
engaged in the same infamous system; both equally suffer, and both
increase the horrors and sufferings of warfare.

When morning dawned, the prizes were found collected round the frigate.
Denham's first care was to get the wounded young midshipman conveyed on
board, that the doctor might immediately look at his hurts. He did not
attempt to conceal his sorrow and anxiety. He seemed to feel that it
was from his carelessness by some means or other the poor lad had been
injured. Mr Evans had a very different a